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Stalwart workhorses of almost any room, vintage tables exist for us as places to gather friends and loved ones, serve delicious food, curate with vignettes of beautiful objects, and naturally, to add style and character to our decor. A used console brings life to an entryway, a vintage occasional table can hold a stack of photography books…we could go on, but let’s table this discussion while you shop for tables.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VINTAGE TABLE OPTIONS

Adding a vintage table to a space can be a stylish option but it will also give you some additional function and help organize things in your home. Whether you choose a used or antique table, you will have a furniture piece that you treasure for a long time. It will make a great addition to any home and will be with you for many years to come.

When choosing the best suited vintage table for a room, it is important to consider whether modern, retro or antique is the look you would like to embrace. No matter if you go with wood or glass, finding an antique table from a different period in time can add a uniqueness to any room that makes the space inviting and interesting. And it is sure to be a talking point with guests. Read further to continue exploring the different types of used tables available and some quick design tips that will make any space look designer-esque.

Generally chosen after all the seating in a room, coffee tables are the last piece to the design puzzle. Depending on the height of the sofa or chair, a coffee table should stand between 16 to 20 inches in height. Consider the space before choosing the perfect coffee table, as the ideal distance from the edge of the table to the edge of the seat is 18 inches, and the perfect distance for the room’s main passageway is 30 inches. Oval coffee tables can be perfect for a family with children, as there are no safety issues or corners to be cautious of. Wooden coffee tables can add warmth to a space, while glass-top coffee tables tend to be less bulky. To add a unique accent to a room, try vintage nesting tables spaced out as a coffee table.

Any vintage table that sits to the side of a piece of furniture can be considered a side table. They are mostly found in living rooms, family rooms or dens by a sofa or chair. Depending on its height, a side table (also called an end table) can be found on either side of a bed. These are generally referred to as nightstands. The standard sofa arm is approximately 24 inches tall, so the side table should be similar in height. If the side table will be located in an entryway, it is suggested that it stands between 27 to 30 inches in height.

Considering adding a lamp atop the side table? Just make sure it spans at least 22 inches across! Stone or glass side tables are ideal for holding drinks since coasters aren’t needed while antique wood end tables are great for resting remotes or books. Side tables can be both stylish and functional at the same time. Use tables with drawers for hidden storage. Nesting tables can be fun to use as end tables, as their positioning can change as needed.

Typically standing 30 inches tall, try using a console table in the dining room as a bar. A glass console table would work perfectly, as spills can easily be wiped up. Such a piece can also be the perfect addition to any bedroom. Add a stool, lamp and vintage mirror to a wooden table, and viola, a vanity is born. Use a console table with a mirror above it in the entryway to create a “drop zone” for keys or coins. A console table can also be placed behind a sofa in the living room or family room, although, when located behind a sofa, a console table is generally referred to as a sofa table.

When picking out this staple piece of furniture, size and shape must first be considered. In order to dine comfortably, the table mustn’t be too high. For that reason, most dining room tables to be 28 to 30 inches high. Counter-height dining room tables are great for casual eating spaces and are usually about 36 inches high. Vintage drop leaf dining room tables are ideal for small spaces, as the leaves can be lowered from either side in order to tuck the table away. Depending on the amount of people eating around the table and the size of the room, consider a round versus a rectangular dining table.